With its wealth of bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes, there's no shortage of places to enjoy for an afternoon of eating. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated business meal in a smart Spinningfields bar, a leisurely ladies lunch or a gourmet burger at a cool Northern Quarter haunt, you'll be spoilt for choice with the best lunch in Manchester.
Last edited by Lauren Cole
Last updated on 2nd December 2025
A cool social space and restaurant that flaunts checkered floors, comfy velvet sofas and gorgeous greenery, Side Street can be found in Spinningfields. Expect a vibrant atmosphere, with live music on a regular basis.
Sip a refreshing pint, spritz cocktail or soft drink, while devouring dishes like squash salad, macaroni cheese or steak sandwiches.
On Sundays from noon to 5pm, James Martin Restaurant is slinging out a three-course menu for £30. This celebrity-owned joint has a sophisticated ambience, complete with decadent prints, exposed brick walls and the lip-smacking food to match.
Located close to Piccadilly Gardens, ASK Italian is a casual spot that's perfect for lunch. The spacious venue is filled with natural light from their huge windows, as well as pretty greenery and fairy lights.
There's all sorts to choose from on their extensive menu, which is full of tasty Italian treats. Indulge in spicy prawn piccante pizzas, sea bass al forno, aubergine parmigiana ravioli and so much more, with delicious sundaes for dessert.
Craving comfort food? You can't go wrong with Honest Burgers. Sink your teeth into classic beef, chicken or vegan patties while scarfing down rosemary fries. And when the sun comes out, we recommend nestling into the venue's cosy rooftop.
Pre-Theatre Menu | 2 course £23.95 | 3 course £27.95 and 2 other offers
Located on Oxford Road, Don Giovanni is a swish and stylish restaurant - perfect for those mid-afternoon hunger pangs. Tuck into wood-fired pizzas, alongside truffle fries and fresh spinach with chilli. The best for lunch in Manchester city centre? It's definitely up there.
Their food photography isn't trying to fool you, Banyan's grub really is that delicious. A great place to have lunch in Manchester, not only can Banyan in the Corn Exchange churn out charming plates of internationally loved chow, there are also stunning cocktails and beers to boot.
Located on Fountain Street, Doghouse is giving you everything you need for an excellent afternoon of eating. BrewDog's iconic beer hotel fronts a taproom offering 30 types of craft beer, as well as droolworthy wings and burgers to pair.
Treat yourself to something beyond a soggy sandwich this month and head over to Mowgli where they're offering unique tiffin boxes and other lunchtime treats. Tuck into small plates and fresh lassi, or crack on with an aromatic prawn curry.
If you're on the hunt for cool lunch places in Manchester, look no further than Foundry Project. Flaunting ambient lighting, leather seating and delish cocktails, it's ideal for a long lunch with pals. As for food, we recommend trying the chrorizo burger or goat cheese pizza.
The best places for lunch in Manchester city centre? You'll get just that over at Grand Pacific. Along with a scrumptious Sunday roast, the haunt has a 2-course business special for £17.95. Impress your colleagues with veggie gyozas and chargrilled seabass.
If you work in Circle Square or near Oxford Road, or are just visiting the area on a weekend, Hello Oriental is the perfect stop-off at lunchtime - thanks to their express lunch menu. It's between £12 and £14 for a main dish with a soft drink or half-pint of lager, with dishes spanning katsu chicken uramaki, salt and pepper char siu chicken, Taiwanese pork belly lo mein and more.
For those searching far and wide for a cheap lunch in Manchester, you can enjoy a top-notch Italian meal at a budget-friendly price. We recommend grabbing the venue's two-course menu for less than £20. You'll be feasting on fresh bruschetta and sumptuous pasta in no time.
Conveniently located a stone's throw from the shops, offices and neighbouring bars of Deansgate, this popular restaurant brings a slice of Cuban spice to Manchester city centre. In addition to thirst-quenching cocktails, the cantina menu of tapas-style sharing plates is ideal for a relaxed lunchtime.
They're renowned for roaring DJ nights and pocket-friendly drinks deals, but this Deansgate Locks joint also knows a thing or two about a good lunch. Dosing you on American chow, grab burgers, pizzas and more at this firm favourite.
Located within the Corn Exchange, Cosy Club is a stylish restaurant bar that's inspired by all things 70s glamour. Expect retro, patterned wallpaper, warm lighting and plush pink booths to relax in, as well as pretty plants dotted around the venue.
They've got a scrumptious lunch menu to get stuck into, featuring all sorts of international dishes. Think king prawn and cod linguine, sticky Asian chicken salad, double smash burgers and so much more, with a killer cocktail list to boot.
Fancy a lunch date in insanely beautiful surroundings? Make your way to Sexy Fish in Spinningfields, the swish sister site of the swanky Mayfair haunt. Try out their two-course lunch set menu, featuring goodies like spicy prawn noodles, Japanese wagyu, salmon tartare with Korean spice, and crispy truffled tofu served alongside complimentary miso soup and steamed rice. And the best part? It's priced at just £28 per person.
If you love a good set lunch menu in Manchester, Gaucho is coming up trumps. Nab two courses for £27 (or three for £30) as you munch on the likes of beetroot ceviche, juicy rump steaks and an indulgent chocolate volcano with pistachio ice cream.
New York style, The Pen & Pencil is close to the city centre and great for a shopping pit stop or work break. The lunch and brunch menu is served from 10am to 5pm and features dishes such as a burger. Want something light? The smoothies are to die for.
